Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
This Red Velvet Brownies recipe offers a rich, moist dessert combining the classic deep cocoa flavor with the distinctive red hue of red velvet. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, these brownies are perfect for any occasion, blending indulgence and elegance in every bite.
- Author: Dylan
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 brownies (3x3 inch pieces) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
For the Red Velvet Brownies
- ¾ stick Unsalted Butter (85g)
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar (200g)
- ¼ cup Light Brown Sugar (55g)
- 3 Large Eggs
- 1 large Egg Yolk
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- ⅓ cup Vegetable Oil (72g / 80ml)
- ¼ cup Cocoa Powder (25g)
- ¾ cup All-purpose Flour (90g)
- 1 tablespoon Vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Red Food Coloring
- ¾ cup White Chocolate Chips (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz Cream Cheese (114g)
- ¾ stick Unsalted Butter (85g)
- 4 cups Powdered Sugar (480g)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- Prepare Pan and Preheat Oven: Line a 9-inch square cake pan with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C), or 160°C if fan-assisted.
- Melt Butter: Melt ¾ stick (85g) unsalted butter in the microwave using 30-second increments until fully melted.
- Mix Sugars and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup granulated sugar and ¼ cup light brown sugar. Add melted butter and whisk together until combined.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add 3 large eggs, 1 egg yolk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the sugar mixture. Mix gently to combine without overmixing to avoid a cakey texture.
- Add Oil and Cocoa Powder: Add ⅓ cup vegetable oil and ¼ cup cocoa powder to the batter. Gently whisk until completely blended, again avoiding aeration.
- Incorporate Red Food Coloring: Transfer a few tablespoons of batter to a small bowl. Stir in ½ teaspoon red gel food coloring until smooth and lump-free. Add this colored mixture back into the main batter and mix until combined.
- Fold in Dry Ingredients: Using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, fold in ¾ cup all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and ¼ teaspoon salt until no lumps remain.
- Add Vinegar: Stir in 1 tablespoon vinegar thoroughly to integrate.
- Add White Chocolate Chips (Optional): If desired, fold ¾ cup white chocolate chips into the batter for extra richness.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a skewer inserted comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool the Brownies: Remove from oven and allow brownies to cool completely before frosting.
- Make Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat 4 oz cream cheese and ¾ stick (85g) unsalted butter at room temperature until smooth and combined.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually mix in 4 cups powdered sugar, then beat on high speed for several minutes until light and fluffy.
- Finish Frosting: Mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Frost the Brownies: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled brownies before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to prevent the brownies from becoming cakey; a fudgy texture is ideal.
- Using gel food coloring provides a more vibrant red color without thinning the batter.
- White chocolate chips are optional but add a pleasant sweet contrast to the cocoa flavor.
- Allow brownies to cool completely before frosting to avoid melting the cream cheese frosting.
- Store frosted brownies in the refrigerator to keep the frosting fresh.
Keywords: red velvet brownies, cream cheese frosting, chocolate dessert, easy brownies recipe, red velvet dessert